Setting up ‘safe-to-fail’ on-farm trials

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Written By Nick Tucker
 
 

Integrating ‘safe-to-fail’ trials / experiments is a powerful way to support successful farm system transitions.

‘Safe-to-fail’ means scaling trials to fit our appetite for risk - from a few square metres to half the farm! Trials can be simple or complicated, replicated or stand-alone, short or long term etc.

Factors to consider before starting on-farm trials

Concerns and questions that might arise when thinking about trying something new could be;

  • How much will it cost?

  • What if it goes wrong?

  • Wow will I know if it worked?

We have designed a simple template below to help you think everything through.

Download the safe-to-fail trials template

Image of safe-to-fail trials template

“Integrating ‘safe-to-fail’ trials/experiments is a powerful way to support successful farm system transitions.”

Examples of on-farm trials

Webinar: Innovative UK farmer Tim Parton shares the trials and experiments that have informed the development of his current farm system

Case study video of the Holdaway family’s trials with cover crops and biocontrols on the Marlborough vineyard (see full case study)

Things to think about when carrying out a ‘safe-to-fail’ trial

  • Do it once, do it right (or not at all)”

  • Identify people to both hold you accountable and share your results with

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Disclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk. (click here to view full disclaimer).

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